Strategic impulses for the innovation and competitiveness of North Rhine-Westphalia
During a meeting with Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, ClusterAllianz.NRW presented its draft policy paper. The paper outlines how a future-oriented and unified cluster policy in North Rhine-Westphalia can increase the state's innovation and competitiveness, while simultaneously enabling and promoting future solutions for decarbonization, digitalization, and other transformation processes.
“Especially in turbulent times, we need strong networks and clear perspectives. The future-oriented paper from ClusterAllianz.NRW demonstrates how important it is that we collaborate across industry boundaries to launch new ideas and technologies from North Rhine-Westphalia. By pooling the knowledge of the various clusters, we create real opportunities – especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often lack the capacity to drive innovation on their own. Together, we can further develop North Rhine-Westphalia as a strong, future-proof business location.” Minister Mona Neubaur emphasized this point during the presentation of the ClusterAllianz.NRW future-oriented paper to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Future impulses for cluster organizations and cluster policy in North Rhine-Westphalia
With its paper "Cluster.Future.NRW," the ClusterAlliance.NRW, formed in 2024, presented a policy paper emphasizing the role of cluster organizations as key players in fostering innovation, competitiveness, and actively shaping the major drivers of transformation in North Rhine-Westphalia: decarbonization, digitalization, demographic change, and deglobalization. Against the backdrop of current challenges—from energy costs and skills shortages to digitalization and AI, sustainability, and global uncertainties—the paper demonstrates how cluster organizations contribute to innovative solutions through targeted services, networking opportunities, and knowledge transfer programs. It addresses both established cluster services such as technology transfer, funding advice, and startup support, as well as the international visibility and European networking of companies.
“As a cluster community, we launched the ClusterAlliance.NRW last year. It represents our commitment to cross-cutting collaboration. With the resulting document, Cluster.Future.NRW, we reaffirm our commitment to this collaboration, highlight successful examples, achievements, and tools of our work, and propose how we can further develop these to the benefit of North Rhine-Westphalia,” affirmed Dr. Daniel Stadler, Managing Director of the EIN Quantum NRW office.
At the same time, the paper describes clusters as key drivers of transformation. Whether through the promotion of the circular economy and green technologies, the support of key digital technologies, or the development of resilient value chains – clusters make crucial contributions to securing the future of the region. They also play an important role in securing skilled workers, for example through strategic educational partnerships or access to international talent. With over 30 concrete proposals, the paper provides a practical contribution to the further development of cluster policy in North Rhine-Westphalia – and invites policymakers, administrators, and innovation stakeholders to an open dialogue about the future of the region as a business and innovation hub.
Minister Neubaur praised the commitment of ClusterAllianz.NRW and emphasized the role of clusters as key players in location and innovation policy in North Rhine-Westphalia. This exchange marks an important step towards closer cooperation between the state government and cluster stakeholders.
ClusterAlliance.NRW as a common voice
The ClusterAlliance.NRW was founded in 2024 as an independent, cross-cluster and cross-network body to intensify the exchange among cluster organizations and networks active throughout North Rhine-Westphalia. Its aim is to pool knowledge and experience and to develop a holistic, cross-cluster perspective for dialogue with the state government and other relevant stakeholders. At its core is the shared goal of actively shaping a future-proof, innovative, and strong business location in North Rhine-Westphalia. Regional economic research clearly demonstrates that well-developed cluster ecosystems significantly contribute to innovation, competitiveness, employment, and the successful management of transformation processes. This is supported by numerous studies. For example, the European Cluster Panorama Report 2024 illustrates that cluster organizations play a central role in innovation, resilience, and the implementation of the digital and green transformation by promoting knowledge transfer, strengthening cooperation between business and science, and supporting the adaptability of regional economic areas.
The alliance also actively engages with new developments and challenges and formulates impulses for the further development of clusters. Three central goals shape the collaboration: the systematic exchange of experience, the promotion of cross-sectoral and cross-technology cooperation – including across state borders – and coordinated external communication to increase the visibility and impact of the diverse cluster landscape in North Rhine-Westphalia. Therefore, when further developing and refining instruments and tools, it is essential to always consider the specific challenges of different ecosystems and to develop needs-based solutions.
“Cross-sector collaborations, a continuous exchange of knowledge and experience, and a strong network are key drivers for innovation, resilience, and the transformation to a sustainable economy. The ClusterAlliance.NRW thus creates an important foundation for the effectiveness of innovation clusters in North Rhine-Westphalia.”
Ines Rainer, Project Manager at creative.nrw
“Clusters build bridges between their industries and thus support value chains. The ClusterAlliance.NRW builds bridges between clusters, thereby promoting cross-industry value chains and strengthening innovation in business and science throughout the state.”
Dr. Patrick Guidato, Cluster Manager of the Medicine.NRW Cluster
“The ClusterAlliance.NRW offers clusters the opportunity to bring their – mutually agreed upon – perspectives and goals into a continuous dialogue with the state government.”
Stephan Vogelskamp, Managing Director at automotiveland.nrw
Source: ClusterAllianz.NRW; Image: © Ministry for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
